Where do we stand

In Australia we are fortunate to have access to many goods, but it's time for us to think about how much we consume and how to become a sustainable shopper.

As consumers it is our responsibility to start asking where our food and goods come from and how they are made. The benefits of this awareness and willingness to change shopping habits are tremendous. Not only will the climate, the environment and other living creatures be better off, but so will our health, well being and future prospects.

Above: Local produce at Farmers' Patch, Forster.

Great changes in the Great Lakes

At the Farmers Patch in Lake Street Forster, Rada, Robert and Brad Kinkade source the majority of their fruit and vegetables from over forty local farms and backyard producers, no matter how big or small. They also provide a selection of locally produced cheese, jam, honey, oil, butter, sweets, chutney, eggs, nuts, bread and cake.

Another great source of locally produced food and other environmentally friendly products can be found at the local markets. See the shopping directory for details on the Great Lakes Farmers Market, Forster Coastal Patrol Tuncurry Market, Market at the Palms, Nabiac Farmers Market and Blackhead Bazaar markets.

Great Lakes Produce Market and Markets at the Palms

Above: Great Lakes Produce Market (left) and Markets at the Palms (right).

Over to you

Consumer power

By buying environmentally and ethically aware products you are strengthening the demand for such goods - other producers will want to join in and we will all benefit with a wider sustainable market and cheaper prices. Also remember to try to buy only what you really need, and help your children to negotiate advertising.

Support local

Buy locally produced whenever you can and buy products that are labelled ‘Product of Australia’ to cut down on the carbon emissions from transport. Your local businesses will also benefit from more trade and jobs that in turn benefit your own community.

Look at labels

Look for and use approved label ratings and terms on all products. This way you can be confident that environmental and ethical care went into its production. For example, Australian Certified Organic, Genetically Modified (GM) free, and RSPCA certified for food products, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, recycled paper, chemical free, biodegradable, and recyclable for other goods.

Australian Certified Organic food producers are committed to human health, animal welfare and the protection of our environment with strict guidelines as to how their foods are grown and processed. There is no use of synthetic chemicals, artificial fertilizers or genetically modified organisms.

The International Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes responsible management of the world's forests. FSC certified means that the paper comes from a sustainable source.

GM free means the product is free from genetically altered food production and keeps our food production natural and sustainable.

The RSPCA believes farm animals must be treated in a way that meets their physical and social needs. They suggest looking for barn-laid or free-range systems such as RSPCA accredited eggs or pork products.

Above: The Australian Certified Organic logo and Forest Stewardship Council logo.

Back to basics

Buy and use more raw, whole and seasonal food products from your own garden, local markets and local farms. Seasonal products are typically plentiful and cheaper at their best. By using more fresh products, like fruit and vegetables, there is less cost to you, benefits for your health, less processing of a natural food and therefore less impact on our environment.

Made to last

Look for products that are long lasting, reusable and compatible, and have little or no packaging, preferably packaged in paper. Use quality containers for storing food and packing lunches so less wrapping is needed.

Meat matters

Eat more kangaroo meat and locally farmed hormone-free chicken meat. Kangaroo meat has little impact on the environment, is great in stir-fries and casseroles and is available in most supermarkets. Be aware that it is environmentally beneficial to eat less meat because of the high use of resources to produce it. If it's seafood you're after, why not ask if your purchase of seafood is sustainable. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label certifies sustainable seafood with a blue tick.

Say no to plastic bags

Don't forget to take your own shopping bags. After unpacking, stick them straight back in your car or in a place where they won't be overlooked.

Find out more

Food

www.msc.org — Marine Stewardship Council
www.amcs.org.au — Australian Marine Conservation Society – 1800 066 299
www.aco.net.au — Australian Certified Organic
www.truefood.org.au — GM-free shopping guide
www.slf.org.au — supermarket choices based on environment and social impact
www.diggers.com.au — gardening organisation with independent articles on sustainable food
www.parentsjury.org.au — parents lobby group for better food labelling
www.rspca.org.au — campaigns and accreditation for humane treatment of farm animals

Cleaning Products

www.planetark.com/aware — laundry powder found in all supermarkets
www.greenpeace.org.au/get_involved/ — Greenpeace alternative cleaning recipes

Paper products

www.fsc.org — Forest Stewardship Council

Recycling Information

www.freecycle.org — services the Great Lakes Region
www.livingthing.net.au — links to reuse facilities

Books

Green Pages — Business 2007 by Katie Patrick
Clean Food Organic by Malcolm McGuire

Next: Shopping Local Directory